Danica Davidson
May 14, 2024 
Laurie Orr has started a GoFundMe page to help with medical care for her sister, veteran voice actress Rachael Lillis, who is battling cancer. Among Lillis’s numerous roles, she’s voiced Jessie and Misty in Pokémon, Utena Tenjou in Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Martina in Slayers Next.
Orr explains on the GoFundMe page that Lillis has been in a nursing home in L.A. since January, and what she really needs is personal care at home, like a home care nurse who can help with medications, making meals, and the like. Orr wrote:
(Unfortunately, Rachael can barely walk due to cancer that has spread to her spine.)
If you can send anything, she would surely appreciate this!
*Sincere, heartfelt thanks to so many that have given generously already!*
The campaign was established two days ago, and already more than a thousand people have donated, surpassing the $20,000 goal. As of this writing, $48,004 has been given, and donations are still accepted and welcome, as medical expenses can be quite high. People donating can also leave notes, and there are many messages thanking Lillis for her acting roles and how character she’s played have affected people’s lives.
Some of Lillis’s voice actor friends, including Eric Stuart, Dan Green and Tara Jayne Sands, have also been bringing attention to the GoFundMe page to help:
This is not easy news to share. I have been friends with Rachael for over 25years. Most people may know us as the silly villains Jessie and James from Team Rocket or Misty and Brock from Pokemon. Please give what you can. Fu*k cancer. https://t.co/rDkOYrF3aH
— Eric Stuart (@eric_stuart) May 13, 2024
If you are in a position to offer some help, please join me and my colleagues in our effort to support our friend and fellow VO legend Rachel Lillis.
She’s been a part of Anime in America for decades, for many of you a voice you grew up on. https://t.co/IsQh2j4hVu— Dan_Green (@DanGreenVoices) May 14, 2024
Our friend Rachael Lillis is in need of your help.
Her sister has started a GoFundMe for medical bills.
Rachael's incredible talent, voice and kindness have contributed so much to all of our lives. Any contribution you can make will help.https://t.co/9GiU5iwdX2— Tara Jayne Sands (@TaraSandsVO) May 13, 2024
Yesterday Orr gave an update on the campaign, sharing her gratitude:
Wanted to express sincere thanks for your generous, loving support for Rachael! Thank you all, with much Love!
Besides the aforementioned titles, Lillis has also shared her voice talents in the anime Alien Nine, Berserk, Boogiepop Phantom, Boys Be…, Descendants of Darkness, Genshiken, Gravitation, His and Her Circumstances, The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and dozens of others.
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe campaign, here is the link.
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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